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Windows based PC’s still first choice for business

Windows based laptops and hybrids are still likely to be the most common type of device used in business despite decline in sales.

With 20 million units of PC’s being shipped in the 3rd quarter of 2015, this is significantly less than what was shipped in the same period in 2014.

Double digit decline

Gartner research director Ranjit Atwal partly attributes this to the negative effect of the strong US dollar when he says, “The currency devaluation and subsequent price increases of PCs continued to be a major contributor to the double-digit PC decline in Emea in the third quarter of 2015”.

Ranjit also pointed out that Microsoft’s decision to make Windows 10 free to most users, the popularity of tablets, and some devices not being available in all regions will have affected sales.

Office 365 multi-plaform a factor

iOS and Android versions of Office 365 and Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync also means users aren’t reliant on a Windows device for day to day productivity tasks.

However, while a combination of the above has clearly affected Windows based PC sales, Gartner believe enterprise users are still using Windows machines as they are crucial to businesses – and this won’t change anytime soon.

With an increasing amount of applications being migrated to the cloud, less desktop software is required and this could further extend the life of Windows machines in business.

Windows still coporate default

In our experience, using non-Windows devices in a business environment is generally not a good idea as it is harder to centrally manage these devices. Which could be another reason why businesses are still opting for Windows machines.

Further reading

For more information, please visit: http://www.computerweekly.com/news/4500255206/PCs-still-the-right-choice-for-business-despite-decline-in-sales-says-Gartner